President Nelson Mandela

From President Mandela to Sri Chinmoy

“I cannot express in words my joy! What you are doing is in the interest of the entire humanity and the world.”

January 29th, 1996Meeting at African National Congress Headquarters, Johannesburg

“It makes me humbled to express a birthday wish to a person of your leadership calibre, for you have distinguished yourself as an outstanding soldier of peace.”

August 27th, 1996Letter

“I am extremely happy to hear about the very wonderful campaign for peace that you have undertaken, my brother...I have great regard for your work, my brother, and sincerely hope to see your labours crowned with success.”

April 14th, 1997Letter

“My brother in peace...we acknowledge the tremendous contribution which you and your peace movement are making to promote global peace. The people of our country are both humbled and honoured to have received inspiration and encouragement from you during our struggle for democracy.”

August 26th, 1997Letter

“Your untiring efforts and continuous travels worldwide to spread the message of peace and the oneness of humanity are indeed admirable, my brother, and we offer all our support and encouragement for your peace initiatives...Know that in all that you do to promote peace in the world, you have our full support.”

August 26th, 1997Letter

“The Peace Centres that you have established in various parts of the world are critical for the survival of humanity...”

April 13th, 1999Letter

“During the past 30 years, countless numbers of United Nations ambassadors and staff have experienced your Peace Meditation at the United Nations. Your spiritual activities have contributed to raising the standard of humanity to new heights. I am proud of the fact that South Africa is one of the 60 [now 152] countries which have dedicated themselves and their people to fostering peace and friendship as Sri Chinmoy Peace-Blossoms-Nations.”

July 10th, 2000Letter

“Your work has inspired spiritual growth, resilience and well-being, especially in view of the present and unprecedented onslaughts against humankind...Yours is a voice of reason that we all must heed.”

August 27th, 2001Letter

From Sri Chinmoy to President Mandela

*"The Pinnacle-Pillar of Mother Earth"*

Our beloved President Mandela, O Supreme Pilot of the South Africa-Boat, it is here in this tinier than the tiniest room that you embodied your beloved country's streaming tears and bleeding heart.December 26th, 1995From Sri Chinmoy's prayer offered on his visit to President Mandela's prison cell in Robben Island.

“Beloved President Mandela, O Founding Father of a free and democratic South Africa, your sacred covenant with your people shall forever and forever last. The rainbow nation shall shine for all Eternity with its many brilliant and glorious colours. None can dim its light. None can dull its splendour.”

“He tells poorer than the poorest human beings
In every possible way:
'Let us dream together.
The Golden Dawn
Will soon burst forth!'”

“Whoever genuinely desires
To redress humanity's suffering
Feels behind him one hundred per cent
The living presence of Mandela's heart.”

“Not only South Africa, but all of humanity was enchained by apartheid.
Not only South Africa, but all of humanity awoke to fight for freedom.
Not only South Africa, but all of humanity won the freedom-struggle.”

“President Mandela's very name
Builds a hope-cathedral
In the heart of despair-flooded humanity.”